The Magic Insider

Magic Duo Flourish in Rising Stars Challenge

Orlando Magic young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner took the court in the Jordan Brand Rising Stars Challenge on Friday.

Riley Sheppard

Magic Duo Flourish in Rising Stars Challenge
Magic Duo Flourish in Rising Stars Challenge /
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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic's dynamic duo had another opportunity to put the NBA world on notice. 

NBA All-Star Weekend kicked off on Friday night with the Jordan Brand Rising Stars Challenge. 

The newly structured format of a four team three game tournament, featured 28 of the league's brightest young stars coached by former NBA greats. 

And forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who were taken first and second overall in the draft pool by Team Pau and Team Deron, had an opportunity to put on for the City Beautiful. 

Facing off against one another in the first semifinal matchup game to a target score of 40, Banchero got the best of his second-year teammate. 

Finishing with nine points (4 of 6 from the field and 1 of 2 from long range) and five rebounds, Team Pau out-dueled Team Deron 40-25 in the opening game to advance to the championship. 

And the No. 1 pick continued to produce in the championship game against Team Joakim en route to a 25-20 victory, finishing with four points, one rebound, a block and a steal. 

Banchero is not finished with his All Star weekend festivities, slotted as one of nine participants in Saturday night's Kia Skills Challenge. 

Wagner finished scoreless (0 of 3) in the semifinal matchup, but did grab three rebounds. 

The Magic is back in action Thursday, Feb. 23 against the Detroit Pistons. 

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Riley Sheppard
RILEY SHEPPARD

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